Katz, Brown Win ADA Foundation Predoctoral Scholarships

Two UNC School of Dentistry students were recently named recipients of ADA Foundation scholarships. Lauren Katz, D.D.S. Candidate 2015, received one of the 2012-13 ADA Foundation Predoctoral Dental Student Scholarships, and Kiara Brown, D.D.S. Candidate 2015, is a recipient of the ADA Foundation Underrepresented Minority Predoctoral Dental Student Scholarships. Brown and Katz are two of 50 national scholarship winners for this academic year.

“The ADAF scholarships always attract hundreds of applicants nationwide, so it really is an honor to be selected as a recipient,” explained Dr. Janet Guthmiller, associate dean for academic affairs. “All of us at UNC are proud of the great work done by both Kiara and Lauren, and are glad they both received this recognition.”

According to their website, the ADA Foundation (ADAF) scholarships are designed to facilitate the education of an academically gifted dental student by providing financial assistance that will offset some of the costs of their professional education. To be eligible, dental students must be in the second year of their dental education, meet GPA and class rank requirements, and show an interest in being involved in organized dentistry and professional activities.

As award recipients, both Brown and Katz will be awarded $2,500 for use towards the costs of their dental education.

“I feel very fortunate to have received this scholarship,” said Katz. “It’s really helpful to have the assistance and I appreciate that ADAF decided to invest in my future.”

Brown agreed, “Receiving this scholarship is a great honor for me. I’m humbled to have won this prestigious award from ADAF and grateful for the extra money to help offset the cost of dental school.”